Healthline5 Types of Inherited Heart Disease to Be Aware Of

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Inherited heart diseases present across a spectrum of genetic conditions, ranging from single-gene disorders to complex inherited traits influenced by lifestyle factors. Understanding these hereditary cardiovascular conditions enables physicians to implement early screening protocols and develop targeted treatment strategies for at-risk patients.

Key Points:

• Cardiomyopathy manifests in multiple inherited forms, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and restrictive cardiomyopathy, each affecting heart muscle function through distinct mechanisms.
• Inherited arrhythmias encompass five specific conditions: Long QT syndrome (LQTS), Short QT syndrome (SQTS), Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), progressive cardiac conduction defect (PCCD), and familial atrial fibrillation.
• Marfan syndrome impacts connective tissues throughout the body, with specific cardiac manifestations including aortic widening, valve damage, and increased risk of serious complications such as heart failure and aortic dissection.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia affects 1 in 250 people, characterized by LDL cholesterol levels above 190 mg/dL due to genetic mutations affecting liver cholesterol removal.
• Hereditary cardiac tumors appear in specific genetic conditions: Carney complex (cardiac myxomas), tuberous sclerosis (TSC), and Gorlin syndrome (cardiac scarring leading to arrhythmias).

HCN Medical Memo
Early identification of inherited heart conditions through comprehensive family history assessment and genetic testing enables proactive intervention and improved patient outcomes. Consider genetic counseling referrals for patients with significant family cardiac history.

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